CORONAVIRUS has created particular strain on those who are renting properties, with job losses and furlough meaning many are struggling to keep up with payments. Citizens Advice has revealed the reality of this situation, and has issued a fresh warning to the government.

Coronavirus has caused challenges to the housing market writ large, however, in just one month, private renters could face eviction as reprieve measures issued by the government come to an end. As the property market returns to normal in the coming weeks, Citizens Advice has asked the government to extend protective measures put in place to ward against the financial impact of the outbreak on renters. At the top of the agenda is scrapping Section 21 laws - which give landlords power to evict tenants in a so-called ‘no fault process’.

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Rent: Citizens Advice has called for Section 21 evictions to be scrapped (Image: Getty)

Dame Gillian Guy, the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice commented on renter protection, stating: “There’s just one month to go before the protections that were put in place to protect renters from eviction during the coronavirus outbreak run out.

“In the midst of this pandemic, it’s not right that renters should face the looming threat of eviction. With millions of people out of work and millions more on reduced incomes, it is a real struggle for many people to pay their rent.

“The government said no one should be forced out of their home because of coronavirus. It’s now time to stand by that promise and protect renters from the prospect of long-term debt or homelessness.”

Research has estimated 2.6 million private renters have missed or expect to miss a rent payment as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

The housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, encourages renters to speak to their landlord about their financial circumstances or seek alternative methods of financial help.